Hydraulic control for mechanisms



Oct. 28, 1952 w. T. BLAKE 2,615,534

HYDRAULIC CONTROL FOR MECHANISMS Filed Feb. 1,' 1949 2 sHEETssHEET 1 Fgpl. =q-.5.

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T v if AT oer/EY Oct. 28, 1952 w. T. BLAKE HYDRAULIC CONTROL FOR MECHANISMS 2 SHEETS-SHEET 2 Filed Feb. l, 1949 IG-n10 Pa-nu I.. j J 5 0 Z j WM WM//n 7 /f///////////UW I"V"L1"--||||||nWdUl`-`nu limp.' 9 n L, H I1 l W1 Il. e Il/ I [Il (l IJ 5 4 5 5 a 5 5 1, f 2 l n-lao WILLIAM 7'. BLAKE 1N VEN TOR.

Patented Oct. 28, 1952 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 2,615,534 HYDRAULIC CNTROL FOR MECHANISMS William rlhornas Blake, Fort Worth, TeX. Application February l, 1949, Serial No. 73,879

This invention relates to shock absorbing cushioning or checking devices for such mechanisms as adding and calculating machines, and the like, to be installed between such mechanisms and the prime mover therefor, or between any cooperating parts or mechanisms subject to compensatory or reciprocating movements with respect to each other, and the principal object of the invention resides in the provision of a uid control device which embodies certain novel adjustable features by which relatively finite precision can be accomplished in the action of such mechanisms.

Another object of the invention is that of providing a control device for addingmachines of all standard brands and different sizes which is capable of functioning as original or replacement controls on such machines and installed by persons not necessarily skilled in the mechanics thereof, and which has embodied therein simpliied adjustments enabling the service man or operators of such machines to make such adjustments as may be desirable to insure the proper function of the machine under all circumstances and conditions. 'j

A still further object of the invention resides in the provision f a control device whichr affords simple adjustments for the movement of the operating mechanism of adding machines, as the beginning and ending of the travel of the stroke required for such movement, which usually imposes greater shock upon the parts than the movement required in the actual mechanical operations necessary to register the calculations, and affording means whereby efficient operating speeds may be provided in such machines while effecting the desired cushioning or deterrent at the critical points of operation.

An object of the invention is that of providing a hydraulic shock absorbing, or control mechanism which is peculiarly adapted to application for use on automotive and railway equipment, affording an efficient means for alleviating road shocks and the tortional movements of motor vehicles on roadways and railway cars along roadbeds. The unique design of the internal valve mechanism of the invention renders the same especially adaptable to such uses.

Broadly, the invention contemplates the provision of a control mechanism having relief values therein capable of independent adjustment whereby the movement of the piston, resisted in its movement by the hydraulic fluid, can be caused to function at variable speeds in both directions of travel and selectively adjusted to present controls where these are most desirable.

While the foregoing objects are paramount otherand lesser objectswill become manifest as the description proceeds, taken in connection with the appended drawings wherein;

Figure y1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the invention taken on lines I-I o f Figure 3, showing the plural arrangement of compartments, thepiston and adjustable relief valve.

Figure 2 is an elevational view of the internal parts yof the invention, includingone form of relief valve.

Figure 2a is an inverted plan view of the internal parts of the invention as shown in Figure 2.

Figure 3 is a plan view ofthe invention.

Figure '4 illustrates the invention in transverse section, taken on lines 4-4 of Figure l.

Figure 5 is another transverse cross-sectional view,taken on lines 5-5 of Figure l.

' Figure 6 is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of the invention showing the internal parts in elevation Iand illustrating a plurality of adjustable valves; f

Figure '7 is a fragmentary longitudinal crosssec'tional illustration of one of the valve tubes showing the interchangeable check valve in one position. v l

Figure 8 is a fragmentary longitudinal crosssectional illustration of one of the valve tubes showing the interchangeable check valve in the opposite position. Y

Figure 9 is a perspective View of the closure employed in the check valves shown in Figures '7 and `8.

Figure 10 is another fragmentary partial cross-sectional view illustrating the lower end of the internal parts showing the association of the piston and a modified form of the valve tubes in the lower end of the casing.

Figure 1l is a fragmentary cross-sectional vievv of the lower end of the invention showing the piston and a fluid by-pass arranged in the casing wall.

Figure l2 is an internal elevational View of another fluid by-pfass in the wall of the housing, the latter being fragmentarily shown.

Figure 13 is an external elevational View of the enclosed by-pass'shown in Figure 12, the casing being illustrated fragmentarily, and

Figure 14 is an external elevational View of the fluid by-pass shown in Figure 11 and illustrating the casing fragmentarily. f

Figure l5 illustrates, in elevation, a modied 3 form of the relief valve for the ports between the upper chambers and the lower chamber.

The invention comprises a cylindrical casing I8 which is preferably provided with an integrally closed end II at which is formed 'a pair of diametrically opposed integral lugs I2 projecting from each side of the casing I0, as illustrated in Figures l, 3 and 4, by which the assembly is pivotally connected into the mechanism, such as an adding -machine, or the like, by a clevis or other device (not shown).

The opposite end of the casing I5 is closed by a circular plate I3 which is circumferentially threaded and has a ange M engageable with the rim I5 of the casing i Il, in the manner shown in Figures 1, 2 and 6. Integrally secured to the inner side of the plate I3 are a plurality of spacers i6 which extend axially into the casing I and function to support a plurality of circular plates I'I and I8 which are spaced apart in the manner illustrated in Figures l, 2 and 6.

The cover plate I3, as well as each of the plates I'I kand I8, are centrally apertured to slidably accommodate the stem I8 of a piston 23 which operates in the compartment 2| in the closed end of the casing I0, or opposite the closure plate I3. It will become apparent, by reference to Figures l and 6, that the plates I'I and I3 are spaced inwardly from the cover plate I3 so that a plurality of chambers 22 and 23 are defined between the plate I3 and the plate Il and between the latter and its companion plate I8, the compartment 2I being formed between the latter and the closed end I I of the casing I0.

A prime function of the invention is that of providing a hydraulic governor or control device for checking the action of the operating mechanism of an adding machine, or the like, particularly at one or both ends of the strokeof the operating arms of both manual or automatic machines. At either stage of the operation there occurs an objectional shock which has an undesirable effect upon the parts. The movement of the piston 2i! in the hydraulic fiuid within the casing ID must be capable of relatively accurate control to accomplish the proper control of the mechanism in which the invention is connected.

It is desirable, therefore, that in addition to the provision of lone or more orifices 24 through the piston 20, affording a by-pass for the iiuid therethrough, a more accurate control medi-um be provided which is capable of adjustment exteriorly of the casing EB. A valve assembly is embodied in the invention having a readily accessible and easily manipulated adjustment by which the movement of the piston 2G can be made faster or impeded as desired.

The valve assembly may, as necessity or eX- pediency requires, be provided singly or in multiples, as illustrated in Figures l, 2, 6 and 10, and as will presently become apparent as the description proceeds. lt is conventional practice to afford by-pass orifices 24 in the piston 20 of diameters usually determined in accordance with the type of mechanism the device is to be attached and the size of the job it is required to accomplish. Such an arrangement is desirable but when employed alone it is not satisfactory since the action of the piston often varies with the density or gravity of the iiuid used, or the capacity of the device is not suited to the machine to which it is attached necessitating the provision of larger or smaller orifices.

Other undesirable factors encountered in the use of iixed orifices -in the pistonalone are those concerned with repair and maintenance or replacement, such as the loss of time and expense involved in the necessity for dismantling the device in order to change the diameters of the orifices when it is desirable to change the speed of the piston in its movement through the iiuid and the requirement for the provision of governors of different sizes for different types and sizes of machines. Usually the size of the orices must be determined by experimentation, on well used machines, and it is very difcult to accurately veffect the necessary adjustments.

As previously indicated, the most important functions of an adding machine occur at the beginning and at the end of the operating stroke. After these have taken place there is a period of travel between the beginning and end of the travel of the operating levers where increased speed is not objectionable, and may even be desirable. The invention is designed to accomplish such a provision by the flexibility of the adjustable `bypass valves.

It is contemplated that when itis desirable t0 cushion the stroke of the machine in only'one direction a single valve, such as the arrangement' shown in Figures 1 and 2, is provided and which comprises a tube 25 arranged through the plates I'I and I8 and the piston 29. The tube 25 terminates at one end Within the chamber 22 and at its opposite end near the closed end II of the casing I!) in the chamber 2l. An opening 2S is formed in the tube 25 near the plate I8 and between the latter and the piston 2U, as shown in Figures 1 and 2.

A longitudinally adjustable stem 2 is arranged in the tube 25 and has a head 2B formed on its outer end. A spring 29 is arranged about the stem 21 between the head 28 and theplate l1 tending to urge the stemV 2'I out of the tube 25. An adjusting screw 38 is threaded through the cover plate I3 and bears upon the head 28 in such a manner as to provide means for urging the stem 21 inwardly to regulate the passage of the hydraulic fluid through the opening 25 under the pressure of the piston 2l). The inner end 3I of the stem 2'I is tapered or conical to more accurately control the flow of fluid through the opening 26.

A dual arrangement of by-pass valves may be provided to control the speed of the piston 20 in either direction, such as upwardly or downwardly, although the assembly is designed to be operated in any position. This form of the invention is illustrated in Figures 6 and 10 and comprises a pair of tubes 32 and 33 arranged in the same maner in which the tube 25 is positioned in the structure shown in Figures l and 2. Each tube 32 and 33 has an opening 34 therein similar to the opening 26 in the tube 25 and in the same positions with respect to the plate I8 and the piston 20, the latter embracing the tubes 32 and 33 as in Figure 6. v

Each of the tubes 32 and 33 has a stem 35 or 36 slidably arranged therein and each has a head 3l or 38. A spring 39 or 43 is arranged about each of the stems 35 and 36 and these bear against the heads 31 and 38 to provide tensions thereon against the pressure of adjusting screws 4I and 42 threaded through the cover plate i3 and engaging the heads 31 and 33 by which the stems 35 and 36 are adjusted with respect to the openings 34 in the tubes 32 and 33. The lower ends 43 and 44 of the stems 35 and 36 are also conical ortapered.

It is expedient to provide a check valve 55 which 5 reversibllefand -capable of arrangement upon each of vthe'inner ends of the tubes 32 and 33 nearv the closedV end Hof the casing Il, as illustrated iniligures d, 'Tand 8; The valve 45 comprises a-'cu`p'45, having a port 4l therein,'which is tted onz the inner ends'of the tubes 32 or 33, in theinianner shown in Figures 7 and 8, and has a circularclosure 4B`capable of closingthe port 4l or the inner end of one of the tubes 32 or 33, depending upon the direction of the flow of the iluid in the chamber 2 I.

The closure 48 is' illustrated in detail in Figure 9 andhasaseries of notches49 formed about its periphery for the passage of fluid thereby `when in neutral oropen position. A spring 50 is placed in the cup 45 and is arranged to bear against the closure: Mito urge the same inwardly against the endof' theftube or outwardly against the closed end ofthe cup and to close the lport 41. It is apparent,"therefore, that very accurateadjustments may be accomplished through the medium of the screws 4I and 42 Jn30-regulate the flow of thahydraulic fluid past" the piston 2G in either direction' of travel. The adjustments can be accomplished by the operator of the machine to any speed desired.

In extended periods of operation the fluid in the casing I will tend to migrate from the chamber ZI first into the chamber 23, and then into the chamber 22, past the valve stem I9 under pressure of the latter and occasioned by a slight vacuum occurring in the chambers 22 and 23. However, a vacuum will also occur in the chamber 2I to draw the fiuid back into this chamber when the mechanism is permitted to remain idle for any period. To expedite the return of fluids to the chamber ZI ports 5I and 52 are provided in the plates I'I and I 8 having check valves 53 and 54 therein, as shown in Figures 2 and 2a. The reed-type of check valve is preferred although other arrangements may be resorted to if desired. Such devices will permit the back flow of fluids into the chamber 2 I, aided by the vacuum therein, and prevent migration through the ports 5I and 52 from the chamber 2| except around the stem I9 which is minimized.

O-ther by-pass arrangements can be provided for the iiuid past the piston 20 as by the reduced diameter tubes 55 and 55, shown in Figure 10, or by the by-pass ports 51 illustrated in Figures 11 and 12. The tubes 55 and 55 are formed with reduced portions 53 and 59 along one side and of such length and inclinations as to cause gradually increased or decreased openings about the tubes 55 and 55 as the piston 25 is reciprocated, the openings being gradually reduced to closing toward each end of the piston stroke permitting the maximum fluid passage during a brief period while the piston 20 is intermediate the ends of its stroke.

The valve stems 35 and 36 are also provided in the tubes 55 and 56 to cooperate with the openings 34 to further regulate the flow of fluid past the piston 20. These are adjustable in the same manner as those shown in Figures 1, 2 and 6. 'I'he by-pass ports 5l arranged in the walls of the casing I0, as illustrated in Figures 1l and 12, comprise one or a plurality of openings communicating with a slot 60 formed externally of the casing Ill and enclosed by a cover plate 5I or 52, shown in Figure 13 or 14. The arrangement of ports extend longitudinally of the path of the piston 2li and, by reason of the successively reduced diameter orices 51 toward each end, permits the fluid to gradually flow past. the piston 26, slowly at'rst, Vthen'faster until the maximum passa'geioccurs,l then gradually-reducing the flow until it-is iinally cut off at-theroppo'site end vof the piston stroke.:v A cylindrical closure 63 is integrally secured to the cover plate I3 and concentricallyl embraces the piston stem I9 exteriorly of the casing Ill. This member has a flanged cap or collar (i4 at its upper end having an aperture 65 therethrough to accommodate theistem I9. The aperture is interiorly-threaded to receive a plug applied when the assembly'V is assembledy and is allowed tozrernain until the installation of the device.

The closure is designed tov provide a receptaclel foi-'any fluid'passingout ,of the casing Il! during operations and retaining the samefuntil it is drawn back into the casing` In by vacuum. The casingIIlQcan be'illed by removingany'of the adjusting screws 30,-.4`I and 42. f Y' In Figuren 15 is show-n la form of the''v'alve assemblyl of the invention in which the 'relief ports-56 in' the plates 1 I-'I 'andIBare normally closed by :a stem 61. arrangedthro'ugh'the ports and having a head 68 formed on 'its inner end which bears against theinnerfplate I8.` The stem 61 has a spring E9 arranged thereon opposite the head E8 which is retained by a pin 7B in the end of the stem 61 and bears against the plate I1. The stem 61, therefore, yieldably functions to partially open the ports 65 when the swaged portions 'II are aligned with the ports 66. This arrangement corresponds with the reed valves 52 illustrated in Figures 2 and 2a.

Manifestly, the structure herein shown and described is capable of considerable modifications from time to time, by persons skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit and intent of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is: f

1. In a control assembly for fluids in a dashpot having a cylindrical casing and a plurality of compartments dened by partitions, and a piston operating in one of said compartments, a valve mechanism comprising a tube arranged longitudinally of the axis of said casing and extending through said partitions and having an opening therein in the lowermost compartment above said piston and providing lcommunication through said piston, a check valve operatively arranged in the bottom of said tube, a tensioned needle valve in said tube for controlling passage of iiuids through said opening in said tube above said piston, and means in one end of said casing for adjusting said needle valve.

2. In a control mechanism' for dash-pot assemblies having a cylindrical casing and a plurality of partitions therein defining separate compartments, and a piston operating in one of said compartments, a tube arranged through said partitions and said piston having an opening therein on one side of said piston, a tensioned check valve in the end of said tube on the opposite side of said piston, a stem arranged in said tube and adjustable in said opening to control fluid passage therethrough in the compartment in which said piston is. operated, and means arranged in one end of said casing for adjusting said stem whereby to control fluids on each side of said piston.

3. In a control mechanism for dash-pot assemblies, having a cylindrical casing and a plurality of partitions defining a plurality of isolated compartments, and a piston operating in one of said compartments, a tube arranged through said partitions and terminating in the compartment in which said piston is operating, a check valve in.

said tube on one side of said piston and angopening on the opposite side of said piston, a stem in said' tubeterminating at sai-d opening. and capable. of regulating the A,flow of fluids through said opening, and means on one end of said cylindrical casing for adjusting said stem to control said opening. i i

4.' In a fluid control device for hydraulic oo ntrol mechanisms having a cylindrical casing with a plurality of separate compartments and a piston operating in one of said compartments, a tube rigidly supported in said casing providing communication through said piston and havinga check valve on one side' of said piston and an opening on the' opposite side thereof, a stem operatively arranged in said tube for controlling said opening, and atensioned screw on one-end of said casing engaging said stem for adjusting said opening to regulate the iiow'of fluids through said opening opposite said check valve:

"5. In a fluid control device for hydraulically operated mechanisms for controlling the operations of machinery, including a cylindrical casing having a 'plurality of isolated compartments and a piston operating in one of said compartments,

a tubular communication l rigidly Vsupported f in said casing and arranged `through said'piston, a check valve in the inner end of said tube on one side of said piston, an opening in said tube on the opposite side of said piston, aY tensioned stem in said tube adaptedV to control the fluidflow through said-opening, and a screw onV one-end of said casing'for adjusting said stemiwith respect to said opening. f f WILLIAM THOMAS ABLAKE;

REFERENCES CITEn Y 'Ihe following references are 'of recordin the le of'this patent:

UNITEDSTATESy PATENTS g Y Date Great. Britain June 21, 1923 

